The Brazilian celebrates after netting his 19th goal of the season in all competitions

But he would not have cared about that Firmino and Salah combined to earn the Kop a victory that saw them move back up to third in the Premier League table.

How Southampton could have done with VvD back in their line-up as Wesley Hoedt’s defensive howler allowed Salah to play in Firmino score the first goal after just six minutes.

Southampton, who were plunged back into the bottom three before kick-off due to wins by Huddersfield and Newcastle, came back into the game and missed a great chance to equalise when Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s shot was blocked by Loris Karius.

The Liverpool keeper then tipped a James-Ward Prowse header over the bar as the hosts continued to press.

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The Egyptian international wheels away in delight as he carries on his rich form in front of goal

Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dyke walks into the wrong door at St Mary's stadium, his old club

But it was the visitors who grabbed a second goal against the run of play when Salah slotted home in the 42nd minute following a sublime one-two with Firmino.

Salah should have added a third in the 71st minute but he blazed a rebound wide after Saints keeper Alex McCarthy had denied Firmino with his legs.

The Saints have won just one of their last 14 Premier League matches and their fans greeted under-fire manager Mauricio Pellegrino’s decision to take off James Ward-Prowse in the 71st minute with a chant of “You don’t know what you’re doing.”